Trevor Story Acknowledges ‘Weird Situation’ Before Red Sox Home Opener

Trevor Story will see a friendly face in the opposing dugout Friday when the Red Sox play their home opener.

Boston is set to open a three-game series at Fenway Park against Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals. Story on Thursday referred to Arenado as a “great friend,” but at various points of the MLB offseason, the Red Sox shortstop might have thought he was going to be able to call the veteran third baseman a teammate.

Arenado was rumored to be very interested in taking his talents to Boston, where Craig Breslow and company were looking to improve their infield defense and add an impactful right-handed bat over the winter. Arenado made some sense as a potential trade target for the Red Sox, but they ended up checking those boxes with the addition of Alex Bregman.

As someone with a strong rapport with both Bregman and Arenado, Story found himself in a pretty strange situation.

“It was a little weird, for sure, because I’m close with both of them,” Story told reporters, per The Boston Globe. “In my eyes, it’s not about like picking or saying, ‘I’d rather have this guy.’ It was a win-win.”

Story added: “It’s not really my job (to decide who the Red Sox acquire). I don’t want that to be my job. That’s the business side of it. I’m pumped that Breggy is here, but it was a weird situation.”

The Cardinals currently are reaping the benefits of hanging onto Arenado, who posted a .391 batting average with a home run and six RBIs through St. Louis’ first six games. Boston starter Walker Buehler will try to slow Arenado down Friday when the sides meet for a matinee matchup.

NESN’s complete coverage of the Red Sox’s home opener begins at noon ET.